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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Treatment method for emulsified petroleum wastes

Patent ·
OSTI ID:867611
An improved reclamation process for treating petroleum oil and water emulsions derived from producing or processing crude oil is disclosed. The process comprises heating the emulsion to a predetermined temperature at or above about 300.degree. C. and pressurizing the emulsion to a predetermined pressure above the vapor pressure of water at the predetermined temperature. The emulsion is broken by containing the heated and pressurized fluid within a vessel at the predetermined temperature and pressure for a predetermined period of time to effectively separate the emulsion into substantially distinct first, second and third phases. The three phases are then separately withdrawn from the vessel, preferably without any appreciable reduction in temperature and pressure, and at least above a withdraw temperature of about 300.degree. and above the vapor pressure of water at the withdraw temperature.
Research Organization:
BATTELLE MEMORIAL INSTITUTE
DOE Contract Number:
AC06-76RL01830
Assignee:
Battelle Memorial Institute (Richland, WA)
Patent Number(s):
US 4971703
OSTI ID:
867611
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English